Someone asked about the "aloe" -- one of my very favorite plants; I used
it when no other diaper rash remedy would work on my child, my husband
used it for razor burn (after shaving), I regularly use it for sunburn,
scrapes, small cuts, and a general moisturizer for my skin which helps
keep away those small lines and those big wrinkles.
A dear friend in Palm Springs, CA gave me a plant; they are
delightfully easy to grow and will flourish on "neglect" rather than
too much care and feeding - "leave it alone!" was Jackie's comment to
me when I asked about caring for it; water it maybe once a week if the
soil is very dry, if it's damp just leave it be. The Native-Americans
in the desert regions use the plant and call it "nature's drugstore"
because it has an antimicrobial agent in it and forms an invisible
bandaid type coating on a cut, burn, rash, etc.
I have a huge book on Aloe plants but I also have this small pamphlet
which you can buy in the rotating rack of any health food store here in
the USA for $1.00. Don't want to violate copyright so I'm just including
the info about caring for the plant; the booklet also has many
descriptions of uses for the plant: acne, arthritis, infections, digestive
aid, burns and scalds, hand, skin and scalp care, etc.
Here's where you can get the book:
Max B. Skousen
Aloe Vera Research Insstitute
2681 Cameron Park Dr. #122
Cameron Park, CA 95682
(800) 600-7327
"ASTHMA
One of the old remedies for asthma was to boil some Aloe Vera
leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor. The results earned
Aloe Vera a revered place as a home remedy for asthma. The modern
application would be to put some stabilized Aloe Vera juice in
an atomizer. This also has the advantage of allowing the breathing
of cold mist since some asthmatics cannot handle steam mist very well.
SORE THROAT
Many people find Aloe Vera useful for reducing the pain of a sore throat.
Since Aloe Vera is not a medicine, it is one gargle that can be swallowed.
As one is gargling, little sips can be swallowed in order to get deeper
penetration down the throat. Because Aloe Vera is not a strong antiseptic,
it will be less dramatic than some medications but since it can be done
frequently, the overall effect has been reported to be excellent.
EYE AND EAR DROPS
Of course, the eyes and ears are two of the most delicate organs of the
body and should be given proper medical attention when disorders occur. As
a home remedy, Aloe Vera has been used for centuries. A few drops in an
aching ear has often brought relief immediately, or sometimes increased
the pain a little for a while before bringing relief. Many have acclaimed
it as a fine eye drop solution. Some have mixed Aloe Vera juice half and
half with water to reduce its acidity so it won't smart as much.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR ALOE VERA PLANT
Size of Plant--it is often said incorrectly that a plant has to be three
to four years old before it is potent enough to be used for healing.
Actually, even a very young plant has considerable potency. However, the
strength does increase with age and one should have at least one mature
plant around the home. For this reason we encourage people to purchase
as large an Aloe Vera as they have room for in the home. The plants
usually grow very slowly in the house.
Indoors and Outdoors -- Aloe Vera turns brown in harsh sunlight so it
should be kept in indirect light. It will freeze so it must be protected
when danger of heavy frost exists. Other than that, it grows faster
outside than inside, but most people grow Aloe Vera as an indoor,
ornamental plant.
Watering -- Aloe Vera is a succulent. This means that it is in greater
danger of overwatering than underwatering. It should be allowed to become
fairly dry before watering. During the winter months, watering should be
light, such as only a cup or two, since drying out will be slow. In
the summer, the pot can be really soaked. Be sure there is a drainage
hole in the pot since the roots will rot off when exposed to long periods
of wet soil.
Repotting--Aloe Vera can stand being root-bound, so repotting is not
necessary until the upper plant gets top-heavy. When a plant gets
root-bound, it will send out more new shoots or pups. If these are not
taken out for replanting when they are 3 to 4 inches high, they will suck
the life from the mother plarlt, which will get bright green and spread
its leaves horizontally rather than vertically. The plants will grow in
any kind of soil but good drainage is essential. The pups should be
repotted when large enough, watered well and not watered again for about
3 weeks, forcing new roots to seek water. The transplanted pup may turn
grey or brown for a while, which is normal. New pups make wonderful
presents.
Cutting Off Part of a Leaf - it does not harm the plant to harvest part
or all of a leaf since the wound is quickly sealed and healed. However,
since the leaf will not grow back, one should cut on the leaves closest
to the ground. These are also the oldest, therefore the most potent
medicinally.
SYMPTOMS OF POOR PLANT CARE
1. Leaves lie flat instead of upright: Usually caused by insufficient
light. Although Aloe Vera turns brown in harsh sunlight, it does need
a fair amount of light.
2. Leaves are thin and curled: Not being watered enough thus using up
its own liquid.
3. Leaves brown: Too much direct Sunshine.
4. Very slow growth: Probable causes might be too alkaline water or
soil, too damp too long, not enough lights too much fertilizer.
5. Disease or infestation: This is almost non-existent here in
the temperate zone (California).
USING AN ALOE VERA LEAF FOR EXTERNAL USE
What Leaf to Use? Always use the lowest leaves, the closest to the
ground first. There are several reasons. first, the bottom leaves are
older and larger, thus have more juice and greater potency. Also, since
the plant grows from the center and the cut leaves do not grow hack,
the plant will still retain its beauty and continued growth.
How To Cut A Leaf: After cutting off the portion of the leaf you
want with a sharp knife trim the thorny edges from the severed
portion, then slice the leaf across its width, like filleting a
fish. Tlle inner. exposed surfaces will reveal the transparentt gooey
gel which is ready to be applied directly to the afflicted area. Use
it generously. It will be absorbed by the skin within several minutes.
[N.B. from patt - this is not sticky - the skin soaks it up like a
sponge and your skin will fell soothed immediately!]
How long Will A Leaf Last? If the gel is being applied over a large area
like a sunburn, it may soon seem to be exhausted of gel by
running dry. Tllis is only a surface appearance because the
remaining gel is held captive in small elongated cells underneath
which are still intact. After the gel from tlle first layer of
ruptured cells has run dry, scratch the surface with a clean knife
to rupttlre more cells releasing morew juice. This will lbe continued
until there is nothing but green skin left. A partially used leaf can
be wrapped in foil or saran wrap and refrigerated, where it will last
for days."
[N.B. from patt - I "harvest" the leaves and keep them in the freezer;
just before my daughter or I take a bath or shower we take a leaf out
to use on dry skin surfaces after bathing It's great for skin dried
out by over heated buildings in winter or chafed from the cold
weather.]
Aloe Vera juice and gel are sold in health food stores; leaves are
sold in produce markets if you are not ambitious and don't want to
"grow your own."
Patricia Ann Bromberger - patt@its.brooklyn.cuny.edu
- patt@squid.tram.com
"Every Child smiles in the same language." - Anonymous
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